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For the Pentecostal usage of this term, please see Word of wisdom.

The Word of Wisdom is the common name of of the Doctrine and Covenants of the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormonism). It is also the name of a mandatory health code based on that scripture practiced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

According to the Prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr., the scripture was received in 1833 as a revelation from God. The introduction and explanation as presented by Smith is "A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion— To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days— Given for a principle with a promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints."

The health guidelines are particularly important to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which relies on the guidelines as the basis for a mandatory health code. The Word of Wisdom health code is a prerequisite for baptism or entry into Mormon temples.

The Word of Wisdom revelation

The revelation, which is found in LDS D&C 89, contains four parts:
  1. an introduction ()
  2. a list of substances such as wine, strong drink, and tobacco that should not be used ()
  3. a list of foods that should be used, sometimes with certain limitations ()
  4. a promise to those who follow the guidelines ().

Among the substances which the revelation indicates should not be ingested, the first is "wine or strong drink", which the revelation says should not be drunk, though wine may be used as part of the Sacrament (similar to Communion). The revelation gives the further precaution that if wine is used, it should be pure, and made in Mormon wineries. The revelation also advised against the consumption of tobacco and "hot drinks", which was later interpreted as meaning coffee and tea.

However the revelation also suggests proper uses for certain substances. It states that "strong drinks" are not to be ingested, but are appropriate when used "for the washing of your bodies"; likewise, while human ingestion of tobacco is forbidden, tobacco is said to be "an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill."

The list of foods and substances which the revelation encourages includes "wholesome herbs" and "fruit" "in the season thereof". Two years earlier, Smith had dictated a revelation against the Shaker practice of enforcing strict vegetarianism, with the qualification, however, that one who "wasteth flesh and hath no need" would be condemned. (). In the Word of Wisdom, Smith's dictation similarly stated that flesh of domestic animals was to be eaten "sparingly", and ideally only in winter, cold weather, or famine. Flesh of wild beasts was to be eaten only in times of famine or "excess of hunger".

The revelation also encouraged the use of grains, particularly wheat. Barley was also encouraged for use in making "mild drinks".

The word of wisdom was a "principle with * promise". The promise given to those who followed the advice of the word of wisdom was as follows:

And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

Interpretation and extension of the Word of Wisdom by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Originally, the Word of Wisdom was given in 1833 as a "principle with promise", and was not mandatory. Indeed, observance of the principle was not widespread. After Smith's death, his successor Brigham Young proposed in September 9, 1851 at a General Conference of the Church that the revelation be adopted as a binding commandment for all Latter-day Saints. Adherence to the Word of Wisdom is required for baptism or to receive a Temple Recommend, which allows entry into temples of the LDS Church.

There are other ways in which the interpretation of the Word of Wisdom has evolved throughout the years. The most significant innovation was the shift in emphasis away from the specific substances listed in the revelation, and toward a more general prohibition against habit-forming substances. In particular,influenced by the temperance movement in late 19th century America, the church prohibited all alcoholic beverages, including "mild drinks" such as beer, which was allowed in Smith's revelation. In addition, the church came to prohibit the use of wine, even as part of the Sacrament. Water is now used in its place. Most recently, the church has prohibited the use of narcotics. However, the church generally regards narcotics, or any other medically-useful substance, as acceptable if used as prescribed by a doctor.

In addition, the part of the code that forbids "hot drinks" has been officially interpreted as prohibiting only coffee and tea, whether or not the drinks are hot. There is no prohibition, however, against herbal tea, or hot chocolate. Most church units also do not emphasize regulations regarding the consumption of meat as prominently as done in Section 89.

Ambiguous areas within the Word of Wisdom

While there is a general prohibition against habit-forming substances, certain areas within the Word of Wisdom are not clearly defined and are generally amenable to one's conscience.

Of particular note is the permissibility of consuming products which contain caffeine but are not coffee or tea (i.e. soft drinks), which is a longstanding issue among Latter-day Saints. The Church has no official stance on the consumption of caffeinated beverages and the consumption of such does not constitute breaking the Word of Wisdom. Because of the statements of various Church leaders, which are not official statements nor practices of the Church, some adherents believe that caffeine is officially prohibited under the Word of Wisdom. If this were so, it would seem logical that other products which contain caffeine would be prohibited as well. Some members who hold that caffeinated soft drinks are prohibited distinguish between foods with naturally occurring caffeine and those in which caffeine is an additive. Interestingly, caffeinated drinks are not sold on the campus of Church-sponsored Brigham Young University.

Speculation also exists concerning the use of alcohol as a cooking ingredient or the use of decaffeinated coffee or tea. The Church has taken no official stance on either.

Health subjects not explicitily addressed

Section 89 does not specifically address illicit drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamines or marijuana, although the Church has officially denounced their use as a violation of that doctrine. Beyond illicit drugs, there are innumerable subjects related to the Word of Wisdom that have not been addressed in fine detail by the Church: exercise, medical treatment, junk food, etc. This is in keeping with the teachings of the Church that Latter-day Saints, having been given the Gift of the Holy Ghost, are entitled to personal revelation guiding them to make personal choices that are based on individual circumstances and are consistent with the doctrines and practices of the Church. It is not the purpose of the Church to give detailed rules for every aspect of living a Christian life. The Word of Wisdom is no exception. Thus, Latter-day Saints are expected to make wise choices pertaining to personal health that are not specifically addressed by the Word of Wisdom. This principle allows sufficient latitude for varying circumstances. For example, the specific application of the Word of Wisdom could be potentially more restrictive for a person susceptible to obesity, but that determination is solely in the discretion of the individual.

Purpose of the Latter-day Saint health code

Adding to the caffeine issue is the broader question of why tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea and possibly caffeinated-sodas are prohibited at all. The harmful health effects of tobacco are nearly universally recognized. It is presumed in the case of coffee and tea that these drinks are prohibited because of their caffeine content. Thus, the condemnation of caffeine or caffeinated-sodas by some Church leaders. However, some Church leaders have also stated that God has not revealed why some things have been prohibited under the Word of Wisdom. Some suggest that the reasons will not become known for some time as in the case of tobacco. Some have stated further that: the primary purpose of the Word of Wisdom is, like all commandments, for spiritual benefits; and like some other commandments, earthly benefits are merely incidental. For example, there are a number of promised rewards contingent on obedience to the Word of Wisdom not all of which appear to be direct health consequences of obedience to the dietary code. These rewards stated in section 89 include:

  • "shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones"
  • "shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge"
  • "shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint"
  • "the destroying angel shall pass by them...and not slay them"

The Word of Wisdom and modern medicine

Health effects of alcohol

The significant debate today regarding moderate drinking and health is about whether or not physicians should recommend moderate drinking to alcohol abstainers, unless contraindicated. Some fear that introducing abstainers to alcohol could make them alcoholic and abuse alcohol to the detriment of their health and the safety of others. It has been long established that excessive consumption of alcohol can be toxic to the human body, damaging many organs and cells in the body including the brain and liver and giving rise to a higher incidence of cancer by hindering the immune system. In fact, The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ National Toxicology Program listed alcohol as a known carcinogen in 2000 and officially discourages its use.

Other scientific research supports moderate consumption of alcohol as a mild health benefit if the health effects cannot be achieved by other means. For example, the beneficial compounds found in red wine, polyphenols and resveratrol, are also found, although to a lesser extent, in peanuts, grape juice and cranberry juice. However, alcohol itself reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by increasing HDL ("good cholesterol") and reducing fibrinogen (a blood clotter) according some studies. Whether or not the benefits of moderate drinking outweigh the risks has been a source of controversy and research.

The revelation allows for the use of "mild drinks" such as beer, though currently the LDS Church practice encourages complete prohibition of alcohol consumption. Many church members see the purpose of the Word of Wisdom as one primarily of obedience, and that specific health benefits are merely a side effect.

Health effects of tea

Drinking tea is purported to have some beneficial health effects.

Health effects of coffee

Benefits
  • Coffee may reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, a variety of liver cancer (Inoue, 2005).
  • Increases short term recall and increase IQ.
  • Changes the metabolism of a person so that their body burns a higher proportion of lipids to carbohydrates, which can help athletes avoid muscle fatigue.
  • Reduces the incidence of diabetes in both sexes, but reduces the risk by about 30% in women and over 50% in men.

Risks
  • Alleged to cause 'caffeinism', a condition which mimics mental illnesses ranging from anxiety and bipolar disorder to schizophrenia and even psychosis.
  • A February 2003 Danish study of 18,478 women linked heavy coffee consumption during pregnancy to significantly increased risk of stillbirths (but no significantly increased risk of infant death in the first year).
  • Associated with significant elevations in biochemical markers of inflammation. This is a detrimental effect of coffee on the cardiovascular system which may explain why coffee has so far only been shown to help the heart at levels of 4 or less cups a day (20oz or less). (abstract)

  • Consumption of caffeine can create an illusion of sobriety that could be fatal in some cases. A drunken person by consuming large amounts of caffeine feels as though he or she is sober again, but in reality his or her judgment and reflexes are still impaired. Death or injury may follow as the impaired person attempts to drive or otherwise operate heavy machinery believing, mistakenly, to be sober.

Health studies regarding Latter-day Saints

A 14-year selective study conducted by UCLA epidemiologist James E. Enstrom tracked the health of 10,000 moderately active LDS people in California, ending in 1987. Of these non-smoking, monogamous non-drinkers, Enstrom concluded from the study "that LDS Church members who follow religious mandates barring smoking and drinking have one of the lowest death rates from cancer and cardiovascular diseases—about half that of the general population... Moreover, the healthiest LDS Church members enjoy a life expectancy eight to 11 years longer than that of the general white population in the United States." The SMRs (standardized mortality ratios) for whites in the general population is defined as 100. For males in the study, the SMRs "are 47 for all cancers, 52 for cardiovascular diseases, and 47 for all causes; the SMRs for females are 72 for all cancers, 64 for cardiovascular diseases, and 66 for all causes." For high priests who never smoked cigarettes, exercised, and had proper sleep, the mortality rate was less. The results were largely duplicated in a separate study of a Mormon-like subgroup of white non-smoking churchgoers in Alameda, California.

This study and others conclude that Latter-day Saints live significantly longer, healthier lives compared to the general U.S. populace, a consequence that correlates to prohibition of cigarettes in their health code, the Word of Wisdom.

Some Latter-day Saints use these studies to extol the prohibition against even moderate consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea and tobacco as divine guidance whose wisdom will be recognized in time. However, the studies correlate health primarily with the prohibition against tobacco and, perhaps, church attendance. Critics reject these studies in part because other factors may be credited for Latter-day Saints' longevity and health.

References

Footnotes

  1. Enstrom, 1989.

Latter Day Saint texts | Latter Day Saint doctrines, beliefs, and practices

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Word of Wisdom".

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